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Strengthening vitality through autonomy support techniques: Empirical findings and practical impulses (#284)

Michaela Brohm-Badry 1
  1. Learning and Instruction, University of Trier, Trier, Germany

Background

A high sense of autonomy is central to self-determined action (Ryan/Decy 2018). In a recent study, we had subjects assess their sense of autonomy using satisfaction and frustration scales and examined associations with the other elements of self-determination theory as well as achievement motivation and well-being (n = 747, online).

Aims

We aimed to find out how the frustration (e.g., "Most of the things I do feel like I have to do them") or satisfaction of autonomy experience influences the other elements.

Method

We used the Basic Psychological Need Satisfaction and Frustration Scale (BPNSNF), a selection from the PERMA Profiler, and the Achievement Motivation Inventory (Schuler/Prochaska).

Results

We found a significant negative correlation between autonomy frustration and well-being (r -.57, p.001). Well-being only increases with an increasing sense of autonomy.

Similar significant correlations were found for achievement motivation as well as for competence experience and social connectedness: the higher the dissatisfaction with one's autonomy, the lower the achievement motivation (r -.37), social connectedness (r -.36), and competence experience (r -.56).

 

Thus, on the one hand, we can assume with Ryan and Deci (2019) that autonomy is a central element of intrinsic motivation. Furthermore, the findings suggest that the experience of autonomy is core to well-being. The findings suggest that there should be a focus on developing autonomy support techniques in human development contexts (school, coaching e.g):

 

- E.g., freeing yourself from pressure (acknowledging negative feelings, figuring out what puts you under pressure, talking non-controllably - even to yourself)

- Exploring life desires, values, and goals

- Encourage oneself to experiment; try things out

- resist loss of freedom.

 

Conclusion

The goal of such interventions might be for learners to experience themselves more as the originators of their own choices and actions, and for vitality to be fueled by a sense of well-being.

  1. Brohm-Badry, M. (2021): Aufbrechen – Die Freiheit zur Selbstentfaltung gewinnen. Weinheim, Basel: Beltz.
  2. Deci, Edward L.&Ryan, Richard M. (1985): Intrinsic motivation and self-determination in human behavior. New Intrinsic mo- tivation and self-determination in human behavior. New York: Plenum Press.
  3. Deci, Edward L.&Flaste, Richard (1995/1996): Why we do, what we do. Understanding Self-Motivation. London: Penguin Books.
  4. Ryan, Richard M., & Deci, Edward L. (2017, Paperback 2018): Self- determination theory. Basic psychological needs in motivation, development, and wellness. New York: Guilford Press.
  • Please select up to 3 keywords from the following list to best describe your submission content: Education, Leadership/Management, Motivation
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